Dioscorea hemicrypta
elephant's foot
Fascinating vine grows above a corky 'elephant foot' caudex. Vine goes dormant in summer. Ideal in pots. Good drainage a must.
 Altura | 4–14 pies |
|---|---|
 Ancho | 1–3 pies |
 Tolera | Sequía, Calor, Macetas |
 Riego | Bajo – Moderado |
D. elephantiases is from winter growing zones of South Africa and will leaf out and grow during winter months, when in growth this plant shouldn't be kept bone dry, but watered when the top couple inches are dry. Expect the vine to die off during the summer, when water should be dialed back. During summer months the plant can be watered once it is completely dry. | |
 Resiste hasta | 25 °F |
 Exposición | Sombra parcial – Pleno sol |
 Características | Caudiciforme, Caducifolia, Jardín de rocas, Escultural, Trepadora - rastrera |
 Interior / exterior | Exterior |
 Drenaje | En el suelo: mezcla para cactus, En maceta: mezcla para cactus, Requiere drenaje perfecto, Tolera suelo arenoso |
 Fertilización | Uso general |
 Origen | Sudáfrica |
 Nativa de California | No |
 Zonas Sunset | 13, 16–24 |
Notas de cultivo
The vining foliage likes something to grow on, so place it near another plant for structure, give it a little arbor or arch of bamboo, or just let it cascade out of the pot.
Prune off the vine in summer once it has dried completely, or not.
If grown from seed the caudex will grow much faster if left submerged under the soil, but the characteristic deep corking that makes these plants sought after only developed after they are lifted above the soil.
Interés especial
Another common name for this plant is Hottentot bread, referring to the edible nature of the caudex, which is used as a staple in South Africa by native populations. Being a dioscorea it is basically a sweet potato!
Dioscorea are high in steroids and at one time trialed as a commercial crop for this use.
Esta información refleja las observaciones de Grubb and Nadler y de nuestra comunidad de amantes de las plantas. Siempre tomamos en cuenta las aportaciones de otros horticultores y agradecemos los comentarios de quienes tengan más información sobre el cultivo de esta planta.
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